BEST FREE Websites to Learn Cybersecurity!
Discover top platforms like OverTheWire, Defend the Web, Cybrary, TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and PortSwigger
DISCLAIMER all links throughout this article are not affiliate links!
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Quick Comparison of Platforms
1. Wargames
OverTheWire offers a series of gamified challenges called wargames that are designed to teach cybersecurity using command line games
Subjects: Bash scripting, network programming, reverse engineering, buffer overflows, combinatorial analysis
Key Features:
- Variety of wargames with increasing difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and experienced users.
- Players use actual tools and techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
- A chat room allows players to seek help and avoid spoilers while interacting with the community.
- Optional integration with WeChall allows players to track their progress and compete with others.
Cost: Free
Game Example: Bandit is a beginner-friendly wargame with 34 levels that progressively introduce basic Linux commands and security concepts.
Additional Resources:
2. Defend The Web
Defend the Web is an interactive online platform where users can learn cybersecurity skills through interactive challenges, educational resources, and a collaborative community.
Subjects: Web application security, network security, cryptography
Key Features:
- Offers over 60 challenges simulating real-world scenarios across various cybersecurity areas.
- More than 80 articles and tutorials of concepts and techniques to complete challenges.
- A website’s forum to share knowledge, ask questions, and find support.
- Users can earn points and medals through challenges, track their activity and ranking on a global leaderboard.
Cost: Free
Interesting Stats: Defend the Web’s more than 832,000 registered users have completed over 2.9 million challenges on the platform.
Additional Resources:
3. Cybrary
Cybrary is an online learning platform with a variety of cybersecurity courses and certifications for individuals and organizations.
Subjects: Ethical hacking, digital forensics, network security, cloud security, cybersecurity compliance, and much more
Key Features:
- Courses and IT certifications covering various cybersecurity domains
- Offers interactive modules, hands-on virtual labs, and interactive simulations
- Prep courses for various industry-recognized certifications (CISA, CRISC, Network+, AWS Solutions Architect, etc.)
- Structured career cybersecurity paths to guide learners through foundational concepts and skills.
- A community forum to connect, share knowledge, and seek assistance from experts.
Cost: Cybrary offers a mix of free and paid courses/certifications.
Unique Feature: Earn industry-recognized Credly badges by completing Cybrary coursework, then add the badges to your LinkedIn profile.
Additional Resources:
4. TryHackMe
TryHackMe is a gamified online cybersecurity training platform offering a hands-on approach to learning hacking techniques and defensive strategies through simulated real-world hacking scenarios.
Subjects: Penetration testing, threat detection, digital forensics, etc.
Key Features:
- Bite-sized lessons, points for completing challenges/maintaining a hacking streak, and track ranking on a global leaderboard.
- Users can follow structured paths and reinforce skills with guided, objective-based tasks and challenges.
- Interactive lessons with network simulations, intentionally vulnerable technology, and real-world examples.
- Glossary is available to help users understand unfamiliar terms and concepts.
Cost:
- Free
- Premium: $14/month (monthly billing) or $120/year (annual billing)
- Business: $40 per user/month billed annually (min. 5 users)
Interesting Stat: TryHackMe has over 3 million registered users.
Game Example: King of the Hill is a competitive hacking game where players compete to compromise a machine and then patch its vulnerabilities to prevent others from gaining access.
Additional Resources:
5. Hack The Box
Hack The Box is a comprehensive gamified cybersecurity training platform designed to enhance the skills of both individuals and organizations.
Subjects: Penetration testing, threat detection, digital forensics and more
Key Features:
- Structured gamified courses and labs to guide users through different cybersecurity skill levels and job roles.
- Hands-on practice with the latest technologies and attack vectors through weekly released labs.
- Offers innovative certification programs to validate users’ cybersecurity skills
- Customized cybersecurity workforce development plans tailored to organizations’ specific needs.
Cost:
- Free
- VIP: $14/month (monthly billing) or $132/year (annual billing)
- VIP Plus: $20/month (monthly billing) or $192/year (annual billing)
- Business: Contact Hack The Box for pricing information
Interesting Stat: Over 2.9 million learners have used Hack The Box.
Game Example: HTB Seasons and Hacking Battlegrounds allow users to compete globally against others to test their skills in competitive and interactive environments.
Additional Resources:
6. PortSwigger
PortSwigger offers a free online security training platform called Web Security Academy that’s designed to provide individuals with the skills needed to test and secure web applications.
Subjects: Web application security, ethical hacking, and penetration testing.
Key Features:
- Covers a wide range of security topics (SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and more)
- Hands-on learning exercises that simulate real-world hacking scenarios.
- Exercises are developed by a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals.
Cost: Free
Interesting Stat: The Web Security Academy is created by the same team behind the widely used Burp Suite web application security testing tool.
Additional Resources:
FAQs
How do I start cybersecurity with no experience?
- Start by learning the basics of computer science, networking, and operating systems
- Select a specific area of cybersecurity
- Earn industry-recognized certifications
- Set up a home lab or use online platforms to practice cybersecurity techniques.
- Network with other cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals
- Consider internships or volunteer work with organizations that focus on cybersecurity.
Can I learn cybersecurity on my own?
Yes, there are numerous online resources, courses, and certifications available for individuals to learn cybersecurity on their own. However, hands-on experience and regularly practicing with online learning platforms can significantly accelerate your results.
Which cybersecurity certification is best?
The best certification depends on your career goals and experience level. Several popular options include CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
What is the easiest job to get in cybersecurity?
Entry-level positions like security analyst or help desk technician are usually less competitive but often require a strong foundation in computer science and networking.
Which is the best source to learn cybersecurity?
- Online courses: Coursera, Cybrary, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy.
- Books: “Practical Network Security” by David L. Steward, “The Art of Intrusion” by Kevin Mitnick and William Simon, “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” by Jon Erickson
- Online communities and forums: Cybersecurity Stack Exchange, Reddit’s r/cybersecurity, LinkedIn Cybersecurity Groups
- Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Which is the best platform for learning cybersecurity?
Coursera, Cybrary, Hack the Box, LinkedIn Learning, TryHackMe. and Udemy.
How do I train my employees for cybersecurity?
- Evaluate your company’s cybersecurity needs
- Develop a training program
- Choose the appropriate option
- Provide ongoing training
- Encourage employee feedback and participation
